Bufflehead
NameBufflehead
Common NameBufflehead
Scientific NameBucephala albeola
FamilyAnatidae
Wingspan (cm)61
Length (cm)35
Weight (g)450
Plumage DetailsMales have a large, triangular white patch extending from behind the eye to the nape on an iridescent green and purple-black head. Their back is black, and their flanks and belly are bright white. Females are dark gray-brown with a smaller, oval white patch on the cheek.
Vocalization / CallBuffleheads are generally quiet. Males produce a squeaky whistle or grunt, especially during courtship. Females make a hoarse 'garr-garr' call.
Primary Dietinsectivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBuffleheads breed in the boreal forests of Alaska and Canada. They migrate south for the winter, spending time across much of the United States, southern Canada, and parts of Mexico, typically on open freshwater or sheltered coastal waters.
Identifying Featuressmall size, large white patch on iridescent head (male), black back and white flanks (male), small white cheek patch (female), short, triangular bill, diving behavior
Description
The Bufflehead is a small, compact diving duck known for its distinctive large head and small bill. Males are strikingly patterned in black and white with an iridescent purple-green sheen on their head, while females are duller with a prominent white cheek patch. They are often seen diving for food in freshwater and coastal environments.
